Statement by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah

In light that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread to more than 180 countries around the
world, and that deaths related to COVID-19 have reached almost half a million and over 7 million
cases have been confirmed globally,
and in accordance with what has been stressed by the Saudi Ministry of Health regarding the
continued risks stemming from this pandemic and the lack of available vaccinations and a cure
for those who have been infected by Covid 19 around the world, and to preserve the security of
global public health especially in light of the increase in the number of cases in most countries
according to reports issued by global health organizations and institutions, and considering the
risks of the disease and infections spreading in crowded gatherings where it is difficult to
maintain safe social distancing among the individuals gathered,
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, whose top priority is to always enable Muslim pilgrims to perform
Hajj and Umrah rites safely and securely and which has been keen since the beginning of the
pandemic to take all necessary precautionary measures to protect pilgrims, including by
suspending the entry of Umrah pilgrims while ensuring the safety of the pilgrims already present
at the holy sites, a decision that has received many approbations from Islamic and international
organizations in recognition of its wide contribution to fighting the virus globally and supporting
the efforts of health organizations in limiting the spread of the deadly disease,
and in light of continuation of the pandemic and the risks of Coronavirus spreading in crowded
spaces and large gatherings, and its transmission between countries, and the increase in average
infections globally, it has been decided that Hajj for this year (1441 H/ 2020 AD) will be held
whereby a very limited number of pilgrims from various nationalities who already reside in Saudi
Arabia, would be able to perform it. This decision is taken to ensure Hajj is performed in a safe
manner from a public health perspective while observing all preventative measures and the
necessary social distancing protocols to protect human beings from the risks associated with this
pandemic and in accordance with the teachings of Islam in preserving the lives of human beings.
The government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques is honored to serve millions of Hajj
and Umrah pilgrims annually and it confirms that this decision stems from the top priority it
accords maintaining the safety of pilgrims on its land until they depart to their home countries.
We ask Allah the Almighty to protect all countries from this pandemic and keep all humans
protected and safe.